Tunde Onakoya Champions Inclusive Chess for Children with Disabilities
Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has renewed calls for wider access to inclusive chess for children with disabilities after hosting an Inclusive Chess Day in Lagos. The event, held at a Lekki school, showcased how chess can bridge social and physical barriers and spark cognitive development among young learners. Organised with inclusion-focused partners and support from local disability authorities, the day introduced children with different needs to adapted chess instruction. Onakoya argued that the game’s mental demands make it uniquely suited to empower children irrespective of mobility or sensory differences.
Speaking at the event, Onakoya emphasised personalised teaching as the key to unlocking each child’s potential, noting that standard methods don’t work for every learner. He shared the inspiring story of a child who, once stigmatised, became a standout player after receiving focused coaching and later achieved international recognition. These examples, he said, show that early, tailored support can transform social standing, self-esteem, and future opportunities for children with disabilities. For Onakoya, chess is less about trophies and more about providing a language for gifted minds to express themselves.
The Inclusive Chess Day featured sign-language interpreters and caregivers so children with hearing, physical, and developmental differences could fully participate. Organisers stressed that the initiative was a foundation — a starting point to build confidence, curiosity, and the basic skills that can lead to longer-term training. Attendees included educators and disability advocates who advocated integrating inclusive activities into mainstream early education. The practical demonstrations underscored how small accommodations make the game accessible and enjoyable for all children.
Representatives from the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs reaffirmed that disability is not synonymous with lack of intellect and expressed openness to partnerships that weave chess into inclusive learning programmes. Onakoya and partners also highlighted that Chess in Slums Africa already operates across many countries but that scaling such work requires sustained government policy support and funding. They urged authorities to prioritise inclusive extracurriculars as part of broader special-education strategies. Strengthening institutional support, they argued, would allow more communities to benefit from chess as an empowering tool.
Ultimately, the day reinforced the simple truth that every child deserves a chance to move, learn, and thrive through play — making inclusive chess for children with disabilities a practical step toward more equitable education. By combining adapted teaching, community outreach, and policy backing, chess can become a reliable avenue for cognitive growth and social inclusion. Schools and policymakers are encouraged to pilot similar programmes to test feasibility at scale. If nurtured, these initiatives can help reshape perceptions and unlock talent across Nigeria and beyond.
